Board hears dozens of nuisance and reinspection appeals; several fees reduced or waived

The Administrative Review Board of Appeals met April 28 in Milwaukee to hear a full docket of property cleanup and reinspection appeals, resolving dozens of cases and approving several settlements and waivers.

The board dismissed multiple appeals for nonappearance, including the scheduled 9 a.m. appeal of Jonathan Appo Ventures LLC and the appeals of Felicia Mayo and Moe ASR, after motions to deny for nonappearance were made and ordered by the chair, Vincent Bobbin.

Neighborhood Services presented contractor cleanup records and photos in several contested matters. In one contested case the board denied an appeal and upheld contractor charges after testimony and inspection photos convinced members the cleanup was supported by the record. In other cases, the board approved compromises or waivers: it granted an appellant’s claim that a city sign had been placed incorrectly at 1626 North 38th Street and overturned that fee; it voted to reduce a cleanup charge for 3015 West Chambers roughly in half to $691.28 after finding part of the debris fell in an alley; and it accepted city offers to waive $508 reinspection fees where property owners either obtain required permits or complete a reinspection within a stated timeframe.

Neighborhood Services supervisor Peter Lairdson told the board in multiple hearings that the department would waive reinspection fees or reinspection cycles if owners obtain required occupancy or permit documentation or remove materials from a lot by the city’s fiscal-year deadline (Aug. 31). For example, an owner at 2947 North 30th was offered forgiveness of 2026 reinspection fees (approximately $3,048) if the owner either secures an outdoor-storage occupancy permit or clears the lot by Aug. 31.

Board members repeatedly emphasized procedural options for appellants: they noted that an inspector could be subpoenaed if a party wished to cross-examine the field inspector and that owners may appeal a board decision to circuit court if they so choose.

The board scheduled its next meeting for Wednesday, June 24, and voted to move into a closed session to discuss pending litigation at the request of Assistant City Attorney Joseph Dobbs.

Votes at a glance
- Jonathan Appo (vacant registration billing): dismissed for nonappearance (motion ordered).
- Felicia Mayo (garbage and litter nuisance): denied for nonappearance (motion ordered).
- Moe ASR (garbage and litter nuisance): denied for nonappearance (motion ordered).
- Michael Rice / 2739 N. 9th: appeal denied after hearing; contractor cleanup fee upheld.
- Bradley Surgeon / 1626 N. 38th: appeal granted (fee overturned) based on sign/lot-line documentation and absence of contradictory city testimony.
- Ronald Mueller / 3015 W. Chambers: granted in part; contractor fee reduced to $691.28.
- Lonnie Slocum: reinspection fee ($508) conditionally waived if owner schedules and completes reinspection per inspector’s offer.
- Oscar A. Gaeta / 3263 S. 3rd: reinspection fee waived on condition of compliance with permit/variance or removal.
- Scott Henry / 2937 N. Murray: appeal granted (fee rescinded).

The board’s written orders will follow; appellants retain the right to seek review in circuit court where applicable.